The course menu in Canvas is integral to creating an effective online learning experience. A well-organized course menu not only facilitates intuitive navigation for students but also streamlines course management for faculty. This section guides you through setting up an efficient course menu, highlighting essential components and best practices.

Structuring the Course Menu

The objective is to craft a course menu that is clear, functional, and reflective of the course’s learning objectives. Key components include:

Home: Acts as the central hub, providing an overview and direct access to important sections.
Announcements: A space for important updates and communications to keep students informed.
Syllabus: Outlines the course structure, expectations, policies, and grading criteria.
Modules: The primary area where all course work is conducted, both for faculty and students. It's where content is logically organized for sequential learning and engagement.
Grades: Enables students to track their progress and view their grades.

Benefits of a Well-Organized Course Menu

Efficiency for Instructors: Streamlining the menu aids in managing course components more effectively.
Enhanced Student Experience: A predictable layout reduces student confusion, allowing them to focus on learning.
Consistency Across Courses: Standardizing the menu format creates a familiar navigation experience for students in various courses.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Setting Up the Course Menu:

Step 1

Navigate to Settings: Within a Canvas Development Shell, find the "Settings" link at the bottom of your Course Navigation Menu.

Location of the "Settings" link which is at the bottom of the course menu

Step 2

Course Details and Navigation Tab: Click on the "Navigation" Tab on the Course Details page.

Highlighting the location of the "Navigation" tab

Step 3

Customize Navigation Items: Drag items from the top section to the bottom, leaving only:

Example of a properly designed Canvas course menu.

Step 4

Save Changes: Scroll to the bottom and click the blue "Save" button.

Emphasizing location of the save button reminding the user to save their changes

Note: Visibility icons next to Announcements and Modules indicate content availability. These will change as you build your course content.

Visual depiction of a visual icon.
For comprehensive guidance, visit the detailed Canvas community guide: Canvas Instructor Guide - Managing Course Navigation Links.

Key Takeaways

Nurturing Student Engagement: Focus on crafting a course menu that feels welcoming and easy to navigate for students, making their learning journey smoother and more engaging.
Supporting Faculty Ease and Effectiveness: Emphasize the value of a well-organized course menu in simplifying course management, which in turn frees up time for faculty to connect with and support their students more personally.
Building a Familiar Learning Space: Encourage the creation of a course structure that feels like a familiar home across various courses, helping students to comfortably settle into a consistent learning rhythm and environment.